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Arthritis is inflammation and swelling of the joints and encompasses over 100 joint afflictions. The two telltale signs of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which can limit mobility.
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, often called “wear-and-tear” arthritis. When you have osteoarthritis, the slippery tissue that covers and lubricates the area where your bones meet at a joint (cartilage) starts to break down. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint but most commonly develops in your knee, hands, hips, and spine.
Typical treatments for osteoarthritis include over-the-counter pain medications, cortisone injections, physical therapy, and even joint replacement. However, if you’re looking for a more natural option, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy could be for you.
At Genesis Pain and Regenerative Medicine in Colleyville, Texas, pain management specialist Don Enty, MD, and our team offer PRP therapy to provide you with a drug-free way of managing pain and boosting mobility.
This blog reviews what you need to know about this innovative treatment.
Explaining PRP therapy
Your blood contains several components. The platelets contain proteins known as growth factors that trigger cell regeneration and stimulate new tissue growth.
PRP is simply blood containing a high platelet concentration in the liquid plasma. We create it by placing a sample of your blood in a centrifuge to separate the other components of your blood from the platelets and plasma.
Then, Dr. Enty injects the PRP into your damaged or arthritic joint to encourage new cell and tissue growth.
How PRP therapy helps with osteoarthritis
A huge benefit of PRP therapy is that it uses products from your own body, so you don’t have to worry about foreign substances and their potential side effects. It may also limit your need for pain medications and steroid injections.
Because of PRP’s healing properties, it eases arthritis by:
- Reducing inflammation and slowing down osteoarthritis progression
- Stimulating new cartilage formation around joints
- Increasing the amount of lubricating fluid surrounding your joints
- Altering pain receptors and decreasing pain sensations
With less inflammation, new cartilage, and more lubricating tissue around your affected joints, you should notice reduced pain and stiffness and increased mobility.
Don’t let arthritic pain stop you from doing what you love. Call Genesis Pain & Regenerative Medicine or book an appointment online to learn more about PRP therapy or our other pain management options.